Ecocritical activism in Richard Lewis’s ‘The Killing Sea’ as a narrative of disaster awareness and environmental solidarity

¹ English Literature Study Programme, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia
² English Literature and Translation Studies Department, Bukhara State University, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

^* Corresponding author: edriasandika@hum.unand.ac.id

Abstract

This article discusses The Killing Sea as it explores knowledge, awareness, and empathy through a disaster narrative. It examines how the novel transforms the 2004 earthquake and tsunami in Aceh into a narrative of ecological testimony, emotional engagement, and social responsibility. Seeing the story from the perspective of ecocritical activism, the novel can potentially educate readers about environmental vulnerability and resilience. The book emphasises that natural disasters can cultivate empathy and understanding through the perspective of both main characters. This article also highlights the importance of disaster narratives for the people of West Sumatra and how literary work can complement local wisdom and disaster education to build awareness of disaster mitigation and preparedness.